Break the barrier

As a part of a large spectator, I sit and relish the various programmes and talents of some of our younger generations in today's hustle and bustle.

At that point, I reminisce about my good old days when I used to be on the podium parading my hidden talents like chanting a song and taking part in religious skits.

Me the boy was so smart, active, and bubbly that I would never forget the lines and my audience used to watch me as I make my walk onto the podium clinging to the mic with my dad and mum observing me too from afar.

Although I am 40 I still feel somewhere I need to showcase what I have to the world. Thanks to the media for making us do anything and everything with millions of likes, comments, and feeds pouring in in seconds.

Age is only a number and each of us as humans has myriad skills and talents but at times you require a pat on the back or a push.

When I started posting my personal blogs on WhatsApp this itself was a motivation and inspiration and many of my significant others have asked me to start posting videos on social media to embrace large audiences around the world. I waited tensely behind the stage curtain reciting my lines as if my life depended on it. If I failed here then all of my dignity would shatter like a bullet in the glass. I start relaxing my toes, I sweat take four deep breaths, my mouth gets dry, and I simply yon prior to entering the podium.

Someone like me who seldom takes part in public events always goes through such feelings. When many of us are asked to perform we always experience a bit of stage fright.

At some point in time, lots of us bump into stage fright, to one extent or another. For a few stage fright provides an edge, a kind of excitement that stimulates their performance and when it becomes a habit they just get used to it. So eventually when they grow up they can face a large number of people without any fear. This is what happens when schools do not give you an opportunity for their students to take part in public talks, and debates.

Mathew Litty,

Dubai